DHEA and Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: Molecular and Physiopathological Mechanisms

December 2016 in “ Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia ”

Neide Kalil Gaspar

DHEA frontal fibrosing alopecia transforming growth factor-beta 1 TGFβ1 peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor PPAR scarring alopecia fibrosis fibrotic processes immunomodulatory hormone dehydroepiandrosterone frontal hairline recession scarring hair loss

TLDR DHEA reduction may be linked to frontal fibrosing alopecia, but more research is needed.

The document reviewed the role of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGFβ1) in promoting fibrosis and its interaction with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR), which negatively regulates fibrotic events. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), an immunomodulatory hormone crucial for PPAR functions, was noted to be reduced in fibrotic processes. The study highlighted that while scarring alopecia often occurs during a period of decreased DHEA production in females, there was no existing literature directly linking DHEA reduction to the fibrogenic process in frontal fibrosing alopecia. The article aimed to explore the fibrogenic activity of TGFβ1, its regulation by PPAR, and its connection with DHEA in the context of frontal fibrosing alopecia.

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